We should not over react

Wednesday, 25th June, 2014

A part of our response for youth issues played out over the next last 48 hours relate to employment and a response to bullying in schools.

“We should not over react. “

Youth crime has decreased by over 30% but we still have incidents like these to remind us of the work we still have to do said Michael Barnett, CEO of Auckland Chamber of Commerce. He acknowledged that youth unemployment in South Auckland was high but there were initiatives that were providing a good response that if bought to scale could have a greater beneficial impact on communities.

An example he suggested was the Chambers CadetMax program it delivers for Work & Income that has managed about 1000 youth into work experience and employment. All of these were youth in South Auckland aged between 18-24 years who had left school early and failed to find continuous employment-but wanted to participate in their communities.

“Yes they have issues, he said, but they are resolvable.”

The concern I do have is that when we talk to these young people many suggest they leave the school environment early because of bullying.

The bullying issues must be addressed within schools. Organisations like the Chamber are well equipped to guide youth into employment- It will take time and effort and expanded partnerships to achieve this.